GAITER’S: FINE VERSATILE CUISINE FEATURING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE LYNN AZZOLINA, The Courier, May 29 Posted:06/11/08
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SEA BRIGHT – Gaiter’s is the type of place where you can order anything from a pizza or burger to a full course steak dinner. Whatever you choose I am sure that you will be completely satisfied. In addition to the wonderful food, Gaiter’s also offers loads of fun. You can comfortably bring along the entire family (without emptying your wallets) or enjoy an intimate dinner for two. You will be welcomed by an amiable staff who are also very attentive and knowledgeable about the cuisine.
There have been several upscale changes during the past few months. Gaiters is under new management and they have created a café style ambiance which is charming and comfortable. Gaiter’s is owned by Vic Scudiery of Highlands, a very successful businessman who has owned Gaiter’s for several years. He is also the owner of Airport Plaza, Hazlet.
Executive Chef Bruce MacCudcheon has been in the culinary field for over 30 years. He brings his expertise to Gaiter’s and has established a year-round business. His cuisine is upscale new American and he is keeping up with contemporary trends. As the location is close proximity to many seafood markets, he purchases fish daily. He enjoys creating a lot of Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes which he does very well, putting a lot of enthusiasm into everything that he creates. Many of you may remember him from the now defunct Remington’s Café or Jerry Beyer’s in Matawan, where he was also executive chef.
Operating the restaurant are Janice Rizzo and Jen Mohler.
Many folks love to congregate in the lounge area to socialize or watch sports events which are visible on 13 TVs that can also be seen throughout the restaurant. The dining area is located in two separate sections, one opposite the lounge and the other in the front near the entrance. Tables are clothed in ecru and touches of brass accent the comfortable room.
We began with an appetizer of Coconut Fried Shrimp enhanced with mango, ginger vinaigrette and wasabi sauce. I cannot remember enjoying shrimp like this in a long time. The jumbo shrimp were succulent, adequately covered with coconut and lightly fried to a golden hue. This was almost a meal in itself.
Another exceptional starter was Blackened and Blue Ahi Tuna. The beautiful presentation was very artistic for both appetizers as they were served in a vibrant multi-colored dish. The tuna was a generously portioned and was served rare, filled with an abundance of flavor.
The appetizers were so filling that we barely had enough room for the main event, but when the dishes arrived they were so appealing that we just had to sample them. We were amazed at the presentation of the Steak Au Poive which looked as if it were a picture out of a gourmet magazine. It was prepared to our liking, a generous portion of sirloin steak pan seared and crusted with cracked pepper, augmented with a cream cognac demi glaze. The steak was served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a medley of mixed vegetables. Outstanding.
For the seafood lovers, don’t miss the Captain’s Platter. A generous portion of jumbo shrimp, scallops, flounder and baked clams were broiled to perfection, all fresh tasting just as if it came out of the sea and on to our plate. This is a dish that I would never hesitate to order again, it was so delightful.
The eclectic menu offers several exciting appetizers such as Spicy Garlic Mussels, Quesadillas, and Combo Platter (Calamari, Chicken Fingers, Mozzarella Sticks and Buffalo Wings with Honey Mustard marinara and Blue Cheese).
Among the salads featured on the menu are: Crispy Chicken Salad, Yellow Fin Tuna Salad, and Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp Salad, over fresh mixed greens.
A dish that I sampled on another occasion which is worth mentioning is Crab and Asiago Crusted Chicken, enriched with a tasty lemon butter sauce. Absolutely delicious.
A tried and true entrée which I also loved is Orange Basil Flounder with grilled jumbo shrimp. Other specialty items include pizza’s, sandwiches, wraps and burgers.
Whatever your choice, I am sure that you will be completely satisfied and want to come back to try other items that you missed, and soon you too will become a regular. Enjoy.
ADDRESS: 150 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright Tel.: 732-747-3333 FAX: 732-888-7944 Web site: www.GaitersBar.com CREDIT CARDS: Amex, Visa, Discovery HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRUCE FOSTER: Wednesdays DAYS OPEN: 7 days all day; kitchen open ‘til midnight Fridays & Saturdays HAPPY HOUR & DRINK SPECIALS WATCH FOR CLAMBAKE IN JULY LUNCH & DINNER ON PATIO NIGHTLY SPECIALS PRIVATE PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS WATCH FOR WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT
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